Joined the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy at the Pentagon in May 1982 as an advisor on the Islamic world - with special emphasis on Turkey, Iran and Iraq. Wrote papers on how to understand, negotiate, and deal with Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, and the Arab countries. (1982-2010)

Most notably during the Gulf War, he served as the Turkish Desk officer in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). At that time, he continued to write papers for OSD officials on Iran, Iraq, and other Middle Eastern issues. Papers deal with strategies to accomplish US policy goals, and how Middle Easterners perceive our actions. (1990-91)

Served on US Department of Defense's Policy Planning Staff. Prepared "think-pieces" and strategy papers on Middle Eastern and Central Asian topics. (1991 -1994)

Received his Ph.D. from Columbia University in Islamic History, specializing in the history of the Turks, Arabs, and Iranian peoples. Also studied in the universities in Iran, Egypt, and Israel.

Studied in and traveled extensively throughout the Islamic world and has studied and done research in universities and libraries in Egypt, Israel, Syria, Jordan, Iran, Afghanistan and Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan.

Taught Islamic history at the University of Delaware, Adjunct Professor (1979-81)

Studiedat Ferdosi University, Mashad, IRAN, during the early and mid-stages of the Islamic Revolution, Spring –Summer 1978

Received Ph.D. from Columbia University in Islamic History, specializing in the history of the Turks, Arabs, and Iranian peoples. (1979)

Studied in the universities in Iran, Egypt, and Israel.

Published many Op. Ed. pieces in the late 70s and early 80s published many Op. Ed. pieces in media such as The Wall Street Journal, and the Philadelphia Bulletin.